OBS Classic Setup

To stream using OBS Classic, you first need to download the program on their website hereTo follow along with this guide, make sure you are using the Classic version - keep in mind that OBS no longer actively updates Classic. For the most up-to-date product, we recommend using their Studio version (plus it has some really cool features!)

We also have a guide on recommended settings for both OBS Studio and XSplit

1. The first screen you'll see after opening the program is the main streaming screen, where you have the options to make your Scenes and start your stream.From here, click Settings to get started.2. On the General page you can adjust your language setting for OBS and a name for your profile (not required, but would recommend using your Smashcast username just in case you have multiple profiles).3. Next, on the Encoding page you'll find your Bitrate settings - as well as audio and buffer settings.As a rule of thumb you should use no more than 2/3 of your current upload speed (so if you have 5mb upload, you can stream around 3000-35000kbps)You'll aslo want to make sure CBR (Custom Buffer Rate) is checked off, as well as CBR Padding, a custom buffer size isn't required however.Audio encoding can typically be left alone.4. The next thing to set up is your Broadcast Settings.Here you'll be able to change your mode to Live Stream, change your streaming service to hitbox.tv (Smashcast runs off of the old Hitbox platform and it's servers currently), and adjust your FMS URL (also known as 'ingest server'). You'll want to choose the ingest server closest to you, there is a list available in OBS or on our help page hereYour Play Path/Stream Key can be found back on the Smashcast website under the Studio > Channel page.If for any reason you ever need to reset your stream key, you can also do that from your Smashcast Settings > Channel page.5. Next is the Video tab.Here is where you'll be able to select your graphics card or internal graphics to stream from, as well as the resolution you'll be streaming in.What resolution you can stream at depends on your computer and your internet speed.Here you can also adjust your FPS, we recommend 30FPS for the standard stream.6. In the Audio tab you can select your audio output (speakers or headphones) and your microphone.If you find that your microphone is too loud or quiet, you can adjust it with the Mix/Aux boost setting, and adjust your microphone offset if necessary as well.7. Next in the Advanced tab, you'll find options like your Keyframe Interval, x264 CPU Preset and Encoding Profile.Your Keyframe Interval MUST be set to 2, otherwise the stream might not play properly and recordings wont be saved (if enabled).Your Encoding Profile MUST be set to high as well, for the same reasons above.Depending on your CPU you may need to adjust the CPU Preset. The beefier your CPU the lower this setting can be, but most people will be alright with it as Very Fast.After that, you'll be able to get your scenes created and start streaming!